Instead of relying on Benadryl for sleep, consider talking to your doctor about using a safer and more effective medication. For mild insomnia, you can also consider an over-the-counter option such as melatonin or a herbal sleeping aid. Finally, insomnia is often treatable by making changes to your habits and lifestyle. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Insider tips, early access and more.
Top Treatments. Top Conditions Erectile Dysfunction. Everyday Health. Anonymous Support Groups Having trouble sleeping? Try a free support group session online and learn effective tools and strategies.
Explore Support Groups. Honestly, you should ask your doctor before even taking an antihistamine every so often to help with sleep, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Drugs containing DPH can exacerbate certain underlying conditions you may have, like asthma and sleep apnea. A primary care doctor or sleep specialist can help you identify any underlying conditions causing your urge to reach for something in your medicine cabinet, such as anxiety. Treating that condition can in turn help relieve the insomnia. A doctor can also help you figure out if there are habits you may not realize are disturbing your sleep, like drinking tea late in the day, and help you work on establishing good sleep hygiene , like sticking to a consistent bedtime.
He and Dr. A therapist can help you identify and change thoughts and behaviors that may be affecting your sleep. There are even therapists who specialize in CBT for insomnia. Check in with your doctor for more suitable options. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
The main ingredient in that fast-acting antihistamine is diphenhydramine hydrochloride DPH. Baylor College of Medicine. Baylor College of Medicine News Trouble sleeping? Experts say skip antihistamines. While some over-the-counter antihistamines can cause drowsiness, routinely using them to treat insomnia isn't recommended. Antihistamines, mainly used to treat symptoms of hay fever or other allergies, can induce drowsiness by working against a chemical produced by the central nervous system histamine.
These medications can be useful in certain situations, such as for treating sleeplessness related to travel. However, tolerance to the sedative effects of antihistamines can develop quickly. As a result, the longer you take them, the less likely they are to make you sleepy. Side effects might include daytime drowsiness, dry mouth and dizziness. Also, the sedating antihistamines diphenhydramine and doxylamine have anticholinergic properties that make them poor choices for older adults.
Research suggests that anticholinergics might increase the risk of dementia. In older adults these drugs also can cause confusion, hallucinations, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, nausea, impaired sweating, inability to empty the bladder completely urinary retention and rapid heart rate tachycardia. Diphenhydramine and doxylamine also aren't recommended for people who have closed-angle glaucoma, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or severe liver disease.
If you're struggling with chronic insomnia, don't rely on antihistamines for a good night's sleep. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.
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